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Key Points

Residents of Hanuman Lane in Delhi are living in fear due to a severe monkey menace. They allege the monkeys are biting people and damaging property, making it unsafe to leave their homes. Despite years of complaints, the New Delhi Municipal Council has failed to provide a concrete plan to address the issue. The problem is worsened by people feeding monkeys at the nearby Pracheen Hanuman Temple, despite a Delhi High Court order against the practice.

Key Points: Hanuman Lane Residents Demand NDMC Action on Monkey Menace

  • Residents report monkey bites and property damage making streets unsafe
  • Complaints to NDMC over four years have yielded no effective solution
  • Delhi High Court ordered monkey relocation to Asola sanctuary
  • Uncontrolled feeding at Hanuman Temple exacerbates the urban wildlife conflict
3 min read

Residents of Delhi's Hanuman lane complain of monkey menace , demand action from Municipal body

Delhi residents face monkey attacks and property damage, alleging NDMC inaction despite High Court orders to tackle the crisis near Hanuman Temple.

"We believe that people of Delhi have inherent wisdom and they will change their behaviour... - Delhi High Court Order"

New Delhi, September 22

Residents of Delhi's Hanuman Lane and the adjoining area are facing a severe crisis as over a group of several monkeys have been creating a menace in the area, leaving locals in fear and frustration.

The residents allege that the monkeys have been biting residents, damaging property, and making it nearly impossible for people to step out of their homes safely.

According to the resident, despite repeated complaints over the past three to four years, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has failed to take effective steps to address the issue. Residents pointed out that NDMC officials themselves have admitted they lack the resources or a concrete plan to tackle the situation.

According to the NDMC charter, for handling of monkey-menace in the NDMC area, a monkey trapping squad has been constituted at the disposal of Director (Enforcement). Any complaint of monkey menace may be brought to the notice of NDMC in writing giving the name of place/locality where existence of monkeys is observed. However, residents say this has not been forthcoming.

The problem has been exacerbated by the uncontrolled feeding of monkeys at the Pracheen Hanuman Temple, located in Connaught Place.

The Delhi High Court had previously directed civic authorities to act against the monkey menace in Delhi, but the issue seems to be unsolved.

On September 30, 2024, the Delhi High Court (HC) had ordered municipal authorities to shift monkeys from public areas in Delhi to the Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and conduct public awareness campaigns to stop people from feeding them.

The court has said that civic agencies should carry out a sustained yearlong public awareness campaign to inform people on how feeding monkeys in the city is not benefiting them.

The court order had said, "To correct this situation, the civic agencies should carry out a sustained yearlong public awareness campaign to inform people how their feeding is not benefitting the monkeys. That in fact feeding harms the animals in various ways by increasing their dependence on humans and reduces natural distance between wild animals and humans. We believe that people of Delhi have inherent wisdom and they will change their behaviour if they realise that feeding wild animals is inimical to animal's welfare as well as human well-being."

The Delhi HC had also directed the MCD and NDMC to prepare and implement a programme to deal with the monkey menace.

Monkey feeding is common act at Hanuman Temple, located in Connaught Place. The temple is also known for its large monkey population.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The real problem is people feeding monkeys near temples. We need to respect that these are wild animals, not pets. The High Court's awareness campaign is much needed.
A
Arjun K
NDMC has been ignoring this for years. They have a monkey trapping squad on paper but no action on ground. Residents' safety should be the priority. 😠
M
Meera T
While I understand the residents' frustration, we also need humane solutions. Simply relocating monkeys to Asola sanctuary might not be sustainable. Proper wildlife management is needed.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Delhi, I'm shocked by how common this problem is. The municipal bodies need better coordination and proper funding to handle wildlife issues.
V
Vikram M
The temple authorities should also take responsibility. Feeding monkeys might seem like a religious act, but it's causing problems for everyone living nearby. Balance is important.

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